HIGHLIGHTS

Kane Williamson sweeping the spinners in the first Test at Kanpur (AP Photo)

HIGHLIGHTS

India were bowled out for 318 earlier in the day

Latham and Williamson struck an unbeaten partnership of 117 runs

New Zealand ended Day 2 on 152 for 1

The Indian spinners did succeed in bringing Kane Williamson and Tom Latham to their knees but only literally as the New Zealanders swept them to distraction on day two of the first test in Kanpur on Friday.Negotiating spinners on Indian dust bowls ranks among international cricket's most d

The Indian spinners did succeed in bringing Kane Williamson and Tom Latham to their knees but only literally as the New Zealanders swept them to distraction on day two of the first test in Kanpur on Friday.

Negotiating spinners on Indian dust bowls ranks among international cricket's most difficult tasks and South Africa's 3-0 loss last year only underlined the magnitude of the challenge.

Williamson and his team, however, have arrived in India with a clear plan.

They picked three specialist spinners in their squad and their top order frequently played sweep shots on Friday to negate the Indian tweakers at the Green Park Stadium.

"It's a very individual thing," New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan told reporters after the tourists ended day two on 152 for one in reply to India's 318.

"I think use of the feet and sweep shot are really important to being successful in India.

"You saw Kane and Tom were quite comfortable playing the sweep today. Other guys in our side not as comfortable. It's really an individual thing but I think when you are facing quality spinners, it's an important shot to have."